Perhaps these were the secret dojo(s) of O'Sensei where the art was really transmitted.

Now that you mention it. . . Morihei's aiki abilities were near their peak in the bath. The uchideshi would be reprimanded if they touched the bathwater. Morihei couldn't take a bath if he could feel another person's energy in the water.

Quote:

Daniel James wrote:

I am hopeful of learning the secrets of towel flicking in the future to develop ma-ai, generation of power etc... as well

Sokaku was apparently a master of this!

-Michael
"Through aiki we can feel the mind of the enemy who comes to attack and are thus able to respond immediately." - M. Mochizuki